Archive for the ‘Porsche’ Category

The new Boxster Sypder—which was revealed to the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2009 and went on sale in February of 2010—has brought even more excitement to Porsche’s renowned mid-engine model lineup that includes the Boxster and the Boxster S roadsters and Cayman and Cayman S coupes.

Price: £50,420 – £67,807.

Engine

Both Cayman models are equipped with brand engine developments, but have retained the familiar layout: six horizontally opposed cylinders. The 2.9-litre engine of the Cayman delivers 195 kW (265 hp) at an engine speed of 7,200 rpm. The maximum torque of 300 Nm is achieved between 4,400 and 6,000 rpm. The engine of the Cayman S has a 3.4-litre capacity and, for the first time, direct fuel injection (DFI). Power output is 235 kW (320 hp) at 7,200 rpm. Maximum torque: 370 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

All of this is achieved by DFI (in the Cayman S), a lightweight construction and a host of other engineering advancements, e.g. VarioCam Plus. This system increases torque in the lower engine speed range and power output in the upper engine speed range. Injection and ignition are controlled by the engine electronics. The driver regulates engine power – and of course sound – using the extremely sensitive electronic accelerator pedal.

Suspension

The Cayman models follow a clear line. Their own. Even when it comes to the chassis. The driver’s connection to the road is an essential priority at all times, along with the delivery of the engine’s power. For this reason, the Cayman models are equipped with a lightweight suspension with transverse links and spring struts, front and rear. The spring and damper unit and the anti-roll bar unit have been further tuned for exceptional driving dynamics and greater driving comfort. During fast lane changes and through tight corners, this chassis is in its element.

Thanks to the mid-engine layout and the construction of the bodyshell, roll and pitch are practically eliminated. The chassis responds with absolute precision to acceleration and braking. The lightweight construction keeps the vehicle gross weight and the weight of the unsprung masses low. Virtually all moving axle parts are made of aluminium. Driving stability is excellent, even in the event of considerable load changes – thanks not least to the vehicle’s generous track width. High levels of safety and a consistently dynamic driving experience are the result.

Wheels

The Cayman is fitted with 17-inch wheels as standard. The new star-shaped design expresses sheer sportiness and allows an eye-catching view of the brake calipers. The Cayman S is fitted with large, 18-inch wheels as standard and the turbine-like arrangement of the spokes gives the car an extremely powerful look. 19-inch wheels are available for both models on request. All available wheels are equipped with anti-theft protection.

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM)

The latest optional Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) sends warnings to the on-board computer’s display screen in the event of low tire pressure. The driver can check the pressure in all four tires from the instrument cluster. The system now updates even faster after an engine start, tire pressure correction or wheel change – for increased comfort and safety.

Braking System

The acceleration of the Cayman models is impressive. Even more impressive, perhaps, is the vehicle’s maximum braking power, which comfortably tames the power of the engine. Four-piston aluminium monobloc brake calipers are fitted front and rear. Offering excellent rigidity, they are compact and save on weight. Their superior responsiveness, for fast and sensitive braking, sets them apart. A brake booster provides assistance, reducing pedal effort whilst maintaining a powerful braking effect. A special ventilation system, whereby the entire wheel brake is supplied with cooling air by openings in the front end and special channelling systems, increases the stability of the brakes during heavy use.

For the Cayman models, the braking system has been modified to cope with the increased engine power. Just like the Cayman S, the front axle of the Cayman features internally vented brake discs with a diameter of 318 mm. On both models, 299 mm brake discs are fitted to the rear axle. The brake pads have also been optimised for improved braking performance. The rear brake discs of the Cayman S are 4 mm thicker than those of the Cayman, which increases stability under load even further. To distinguish them visually, the brake calipers on the Cayman have a black anodised finish while those on the Cayman S are painted red. For reduced weight, optimum braking in the wet and improved cooling, the brake discs on both models are cross-drilled.

2012 Porsche Cayman

At Porsche, our aim is not to increase power – except through increased efficiency. Which is why we began with the 911 Turbo when developing an engine for the 911 GT2. Its power is combined with rear-wheel drive for racing-car driving dynamics. But how is it possible to improve on an engine that is already so close to perfection? How did we introduce even greater potential – and the character of a racing engine? The answer: by increasing efficiency.

This was mainly achieved by four crucial components, one of these being the six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer unit with flow-optimized turbines featuring Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) and larger compressors on the intake side. Together with VarioCam Plus, they boost performance while reducing emissions over the entire engine speed range. Other important technologies include the revolutionary new expansion intake manifold that employs a totally new principle unlike anything ever featured on existing induction systems and, finally, the new, lightweight titanium main silencer for less back-pressure in the exhaust.

Oil is evenly distributed under all load conditions (e.g., high-speed cornering) thanks to a dry-sump lubrication system with external tank. After passing through the engine, the oil is cooled by means of a dedicated oil-water heat exchanger. Both of these systems are proven in competition use. The water-cooled flat-six twin-turbo engine with four-valve technology in the rear of the 911 GT2 generates a mighty 530 hp from a 3.6-liter displacement at 6,500 rpm.

The six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine is a compact unit offering excellent cylinder charging and torque-curve characteristics as well as first-rate balance with minimal vibration. The flat-six design allows a low center of gravity with resulting advantages for traction and driving dynamics. The alloy crankcase consists of two main sections, each containing one bank of cylinders. The crankshaft runs in eight main bearings and is driven by forged connecting rods. For optimum strength and durability, we’ve used forged aluminum pistons running in Nikasil-coated aluminum liners and cooled via individual oil-spray jets. The results: lower frictional resistance and a lengthy service life – even when subjected to heavy use.

The cylinder heads are made from an extremely heat-resistant lightweight alloy. Each cylinder bank has two overhead camshafts driving a set of four valves (two inlet and two exhaust) on each individual cylinder. The valves are arranged in a ‘V’ formation and have a highly efficient dual-spring closing action enabling higher engine speeds. Performance is enhanced with the aid of both Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) and VarioCam Plus (variable valve timing and lift on the inlet side). The benefits are not only greater power and torque, but also better fuel economy and lower emissions.

The six-speed manual gearbox in the 911 GT2 is specifically designed for the high engine performance. The individual ratios are carefully matched to the specific characteristics of the engine. The gear-lever throw is short and precise, enabling fast and accurate gearshifts.

Another major innovation is the use of Start-off Assistant for the first time ever in a road-going Porsche. The system is designed to maximize acceleration from a standing start. To activate the function, simply depress the clutch and accelerator pedals. When a boost pressure of approximately 13 psi is displayed in the instrument cluster, release the clutch as quickly as possible and maximum acceleration automatically ensues.

Normally on a turbocharged vehicle with manual gearbox, the boost pressure under acceleration from a standing start is relatively low. The turbo effect is delayed as the engine gathers speed and the boost pressure starts to build. On the 911 GT2, this initial delay is reduced. While the car is still stationary, the fuel injection is modified to help the engine reach maximum output earlier. The boost pressure is significantly increased and the engine readied for a faster start.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available – from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car – agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.

Fundamentally, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder and RS 60 of the Fifties and Sixties, all sharing the same mid-engine roadster concept. Low weight and supreme agility combine to provide outstanding driving pleasure.

The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower (hp), 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.

When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph – with the roof open.

In 2004 and 2008 Porsche produced limited editions of the Boxster bearing the additional name Spyder, honoring the 550 and RS 60. In contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, but specially developed and upgraded production model as compared with the Boxster and Boxster S.

The new 911 Turbo S does not consume any more fuel than the Porsche 911 Turbo, making it by far the most efficient sports car in its class. The 911 Turbo S Coupe is EPA rated at 17 mpg city, 24 highway.

The 911 Turbo S comes exclusively with the seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), Porsche’s Double-Clutch Gearbox, delivering power to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system. The increase in driving enjoyment is ensured by the now standard Dynamic Engine Mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), including the standard mechanical differential lock on the rear axle. In conjunction with Launch Control, part of the standard Sport Chrono Package Turbo, the 911 Turbo S accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

Top speed is 195 mph (315 km/h). Extra-light and fade resistant Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) provides outstanding performance in terms of stopping power and controlled application of the brakes.

The new Porsche 911 Turbo S will be at dealerships as both a Coupe and Cabriolet as of May 2010. The 2011 Turbo S Coupe and Turbo S Cabriolet prices are $159,100 and $170,200, respectively.

Other standard equipment on the 911 Turbo S includes Dynamic Corning Lights, 19-inch RS Spyder wheels with central locking, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, adaptive sports seats, cruise control, and a CD/DVD changer.

The special twin-tone leather upholstery in Black/Cream or Black/Titanium Blue, along with the new Ice Blue Metallic exterior color underlines the exclusivity of the first Turbo S in five years.

The latest 911 is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche. With horsepower (hp) up by 90 and weight down by 154 lbs (70 kilograms) in comparison with the previous 911 GT2, the new 911 GT2 RS has a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.9 lbs (2.21 kg) per horsepower, by far the best power/weight ratio in its class. These are the ideal ingredients for an ultra-high-performance sports car with supreme agility and truly blistering performance on the road. Perfectly illustrating Porsche Intelligent Performance, the 2011 GT2 RS achieves a reduction of approximately 5 percent for both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when compared with the previous 911 GT2.

The 3.6 liter six-cylinder boxer engine features two variable turbine geometry turbochargers and provides power to the rear wheels exclusively through a six-speed manual gearbox. Equally impressive stopping power comes from Porsche Composite Ceramic Brakes (PCCB).

New tires were specifically developed for the 911 GT2 RS and measure 245/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 19 at the rear, delivering cornering performance to match the straight-line speed. Extreme cornering dynamics are ensured by the setup of the springs, Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM), unique anti-roll bars, specific engine mounts and recalibrated Porsche Stability Management (PSM), whose stability and traction control functions can be switched off individually.

The combined effect of these developments is evident on the racetrack. In fact, the ultimate 911 accelerates from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, boasts a top-track speed of 205 mph and laps the famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife racetrack in just 7 minutes and 18 seconds.

In its looks, the new 911 GT2 RS stands out clearly from the other 911 models through the lavish use of carbon-fiber-reinforced components with a matt-black surface finish, even wider wheels (including flared wheel arches at the front), new light-alloy wheels with central locking and ‘GT2 RS’ model designations on the doors and rear lid. Matte-finish carbon also graces the redesigned front spoiler lip and the 3/8th of an inch (10 mm) taller rear spoiler lip – which both enhance aerodynamics and provide extra downforce.

The interior of the 911 GT2 RS also exudes sporting performance in virtually every detail. Lightweight two-piece bucket seats made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic are standard, as are lightweight door panels with fabric straps instead of traditional door handles. The basic interior color is black, which contrasts with red elements, such as the seat center sections, the roof lining and segments of the steering wheel rim. The gearshift and handbrake lever are also finished in red alcantara.

Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the 911 GT2 RS will be available in the U.S. October 2010 and will have a MSRP of $245.000. The GT2 RS is making its world debut at the Moscow Auto Show on August 25th 2010.

What was originally the 2009 Porsche Panamera will debut in calendar 2009 as a 2010 model. Panamera is the newest addition to the German automaker’s lineup. This premium large car is a four-passenger, 4-door hatchback. Unlike Porsche’s 911, Boxster, and Cayman cars, Panamera has a front-mounted engine. Rear-wheel-drive S and all-wheel-drive 4S and Turbo models are offered.

All use a 4.8-liter V8 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission. S and 4S have 400 hp, and the Turbo has 500 hp. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All models have an engine stop/start feature that shuts off the gas engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when the brake pedal is released.

An adaptive air suspension is standard on the Turbo and optional on the S and 4S. Porsche’s Sport Chrono Package includes a button that adjusts powertrain and suspension tuning to suit high-performance driving. 2010 Porsche Panamera report for more information, prices, and a full review.

The 2010 Porsche Cayman sees no major changes. These 2-seat coupes share their basic design with the Porsche Boxster convertible. Like Boxster, Cayman should comes in Base and sporty S trim levels, each with a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine. The Base has a 265-horsepower 2.9-liter and the S reprises its 320-horsepower 3.4-liter 6-cylinder.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A 7-speed double clutch automatic is optional. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Porsche’s optional Sport Chrono Package returns, and it includes a sport button, which modifies throttle, traction, and suspension settings to suit high-performance driving.

Heated and ventilated front seats are available, along with a touchscreen navigation system and hard drive for storing digital-music files. We have not yet tested the 2010 Porsche Cayman.